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<img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources/manila-cathedral-1863.webp" alt="On June 3, 1863, a strong earthquake rocked Manila" />
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(An artist's impression of Manila Cathedral following the June 3, 1863 earthquake.)
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<h3>
The Earthquake
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The earthquake struck on June 3, 1863, at 7:31 PM local time, with its epicenter located approximately 11.7 km south of Manila along the Manila trench fault line. Historical records estimate its magnitude to be between 6.5 and 7.0, with an intensity of X (Extreme) on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modified_Mercalli_intensity_scale" class="news-link-ext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Mercalli Intensity Scale</a>, indicating severe shaking. The quake lasted approximately 30 seconds, long enough to cause catastrophic damage across Manila and nearby provinces such as <a href="https://kahimyang.com/articles/3176/the-history-of-rizal-province" class="news_link">Rizal</a>, Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga, and <a href="https://kahimyang.com/articles/3174/the-history-of-laguna-province-philippines" class="news_link">Laguna</a>. The depth of the earthquake remains unknown, but its shallow nature likely amplified its destructive impact. Reports describe the ground rocking violently, with cracks forming in the earth and avalanches occurring in mountainous areas near Angat. In Manila Bay, water reportedly retreated toward Cavite before returning, suggesting possible minor tsunami activity, though no significant tsunami damage was documented.
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<h3>
Impact on Manila
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The 1863 earthquake wreaked havoc on Manila, particularly in Intramuros, the heart of the city's colonial administration and culture. Major structures, including the Manila Cathedral, the Ayuntamiento (city hall), and the Governor's Palace, all located in Plaza Mayor (now Plaza de Roma), were reduced to rubble. San Agustin Church was the only major religious structure to survive relatively intact. According to historical accounts, 46 public buildings were destroyed, and 25 others were severely damaged. Among private residences, 570 houses were demolished, and 531 were left in a precarious state, totaling 1,172 buildings either ruined or heavily impacted.
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June 3, 1863: a strong earthquake rocked Manila